The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has teamed up with the Unmanned Safety Institute to develop and implement an auditor training program for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). IBAC unveiled the IS-BAO RPAS program in January, naming Cartersville, Georgia-based Phoenix Air Unmanned as the first to receive registration. Phoenix Air Unmanned, a sister company to IS-BAO-registered charter aircraft operator Phoenix Air Group, worked with IBAC on a pilot program to include RPAS.
IBAC expanded the reach of the IS-BAO program to accommodate some of its participating operators that have begun using RPAS vehicles, as well as standalone operators that have sought out best practices and safety management systems, said IS-BAO program director Andrew Karas. He noted that the move is in keeping with IBAC’s goal to evolve with the industry and technological development. “We're adopting that with this sector,” he added.
The RPAS standards were developed through an advisory board that represents a range of industry professionals, Joby Aviation among them. IBAC said it is adapting the program to ensure it will be relevant and applicable to RPAS now and in the future.
A key to the implementation is professionally trained and credentialed auditors, IBAC added. “The business aviation industry is filled with highly experienced and knowledgeable operations and maintenance personnel coming from traditional piloted aircraft backgrounds. However, the RPAS operational environment is relatively new with fewer industry experts,” Karas said. “As with any successful safety program, well-trained and qualified auditors are essential.”
He added that IBAC opted to work with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) because it brings a background in educating, training, and certifying RPAS operators, and administers a program that has exceeded 11,000 certifications.
IBAC will require RPAS auditor training as part of the credential program and will oversee the implementation of the training program. USI will create training content, including the coursework materials and online learning management, with the program anticipated to launch later this year. The credentials will be cobranded.
“IBAC’s globally recognized IS-BAO and IS-BAH standards and audit programs are highly regarded by the business aviation community as they focus on building a culture that promotes continuous improvement in safety practices and risk mitigation,” said Unmanned Safety Institute president and CEO Josh Olds. “USI is proud to have been selected by IBAC to develop and implement an RPAS auditor training program that will ensure that the auditor’s existing aviation background and expertise will be augmented with knowledge and awareness consistent with the evolving global RPAS marketplace.”
